The three fundamental principles of Osteopathy

1. The body is a functioning unit

Osteopathy represents an holistic view of the human body. Each structure and function is inextricably linked together, the body is one unit.

In addition to the musculoskeletal system and internal organs, osteopathy also incorporates the psyche into this unit. This comes from the knowledge that the origins of an acute illness can come from a completely different part of the body.

Shoulder pains can also have a psychological cause and can be triggered for example by stress.

2. Structure and function are mutually and jointly dependent on each other

Structure and function mutually influence each other and must therefore be regarded together. In this way, a random change in function (e.g. through incorrect load/strain) can change a structure (e.g. calcification); whilst a change in bodily structures (e.g. caused by an accident) can impair function.

3. The body has its own self-regulating mechanisms

The body has a natural ability to adjust and heal itself and stay healthy. Usually, a human being is able to neutralise adverse influences, like stress, injury or germs, without help.

The body has very effective self-healing powers: small wounds usually heal on their own, and the body can even fend off foreign bodies, such as bacteria and viruses.

The three pillars of osteopathy

Osteopathy can be split into three systems:

The Craniosacral System
The Parietal System
The Visceral System

These are linked to each other on all kinds of levels and interact with each other. An osteopath must therefore master the examination and treatment of all three systems in order to be able to find and treat the causes of his patient’s complaints.

The Craniosacral System

Craniosacral Therapy was developed by the osteopath, William Garner Sutherland (1873-1954).

Craniosacral Therapie is based on, among other things, the assumption that the rhythmic pulsation of cerebrospinal fluid (Liquor cerebrospinalis) spreads to the outer tissues and bones and can therefore be felt. In this case, we refer to a craniosacral rhythm.

During craniosacral therapy, barely perceptible hand grips are used around the skull and sacrum as the patient usually lies on their back on a treatment bench. The therapist works with the palms of his hands or fingers, usually with minimal force or pressure.

Medical indications for craniosacral treatment:

Children:

Following a difficult birth

Bedwetting

Growth failure

Tooth displacement and malocclusion

Polyps

Adults:

Tinnitus

Headache / Migrane

Following head injury

Following operations in head or jaw area

Difficulties in conceiving

Vegetative dysregulation

Menopause complaints

Chronic back pain

The Parietal System

Parietal Osteopathy examines joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and fasciae for restriction of movement and treats them accordingly. Problems in the parietal system can not only affect the statis and mechanics of the whole body, but also restrict the function of the inner organs via vascular and nerve connections. Treatment can be via several different techniques, like mobilisation, muscle-energy, myofascial and stimulus techniques.
Chiropractic is part of parietal osteopathy.

Medical indications for parietal treatment:

Back pain

Blocking of the spinal column

Muscle tension

Tension headache

Restriction of movement

Following an operation

Scar treatment

The Visceral System

Visceral osteopathy tests inner organs and their surrounding structures for restriction of movement and treats them accordingly. Restriction of movement in the visceral system not only has a negative impact on the ability of inner organs to function, but also on the craniosacral and parietal system, through mechanical, nerve and vascular connections. Like in the parietal system, the inner organs are connected to each other by ligaments or joined to our musculoskeletal system. The motion of our inner organs is determined by the movement of the diaphragm whilst breathing. The aim of a visceral treatment is to restore the harmonious motion of the organs.

Medical indications for visceral treatment:

Chronic back pain

Headache

Indigestion

Incontinence / regular bladder infections

After an operation / scar treatment

Following cancer

Chiropractic is a part of parietal osteopathy. Find out more about it here.